Fort bij Rijnauwen

Fort bij Rijnauwen stands near Rhijnauwen in Bunnik as the largest fort of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. Construction began in 1867 and ended in 1869. Its 32-hectare grounds contain polygonal defenses, brick buildings, earth cover, moats, flank batteries, and a pentagonal reduit. The reduit covered the rear moat and offered thick-walled protection. The fort defended the Houtense Vlakte and the eastern approaches to Utrecht. Its military history includes a munitions depot and wartime executions. During World War Two, German forces stored munitions here, and resistance members were executed at the fort. A monument and 54 memorial stones commemorate named victims. Since 1975, Staatsbosbeheer has managed the fort as a nature reserve with more than 200 higher plant species. Orchids and rare adder’s-tongue grow here. Nearly 50 bird species breed around the fort, including the kingfisher and barn owl. The fort joins military history with living nature.